Alchemy is most commonly known as an early form of chemistry. Many alchemists believed that one could transmutate lead into gold by reducing a substance down to its natural form, and then converting that substance into another element. Mercury and sulfur were the two main elements used at the time, and later, salt was used as well. Much of the knowledge that was gained throughtout the years have led to many revelations about certain properties of elements and theories that we still use to this day.
Paracelsus was both an alchemist and a physician, and he was well-known for his medicinal treatments. He believed that all substances were toxic, and that by using a certain dosage, it could be used for beneficial purposes. His role in alchemy was to focus not on the transmutation of one element into another, but to look at all the possible types of medicine that could be available in forms that would not normally be considered.
He was considered the pioneer for "the use of chemicals and minerals in medicine," instead of the standard at that time, which was the purification of the soul.
This new idea eventually led others to start believing that not everything relied on the will of God, and that one could be cured of a disease through medicines rather than constant prayers.
Basically, it was a time when the theories of science were started to be first introduced to Europe.
Alchemy - Paracelsus
By: Cindy LooAlchemy is most commonly known as an early form of chemistry. Many alchemists believed that one could transmutate lead into gold by reducing a substance down to its natural form, and then converting that substance into another element. Mercury and sulfur were the two main elements used at the time, and later, salt was used as well. Much of the knowledge that was gained throughtout the years have led to many revelations about certain properties of elements and theories that we still use to this day.
Paracelsus was both an alchemist and a physician, and he was well-known for his medicinal treatments. He believed that all substances were toxic, and that by using a certain dosage, it could be used for beneficial purposes. His role in alchemy was to focus not on the transmutation of one element into another, but to look at all the possible types of medicine that could be available in forms that would not normally be considered.
He was considered the pioneer for "the use of chemicals and minerals in medicine," instead of the standard at that time, which was the purification of the soul.
This new idea eventually led others to start believing that not everything relied on the will of God, and that one could be cured of a disease through medicines rather than constant prayers.
Basically, it was a time when the theories of science were started to be first introduced to Europe.
Bibliography
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_science_in_the_Renaissance
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paracelsus
http://www.channel4.com/science/microsites/S/spellbinder/alchemy.shtml
http://ww.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/paracelsus/paracelsus.gif